So my son turns 2 in October, & I'm due w/ my next Sept 21...so was thinking to do a combined party (meet & greet plus birthday) on Oct. 9th, since my Mom will be here from out of state, we were thinking we could put on the invite all day event for those who just wanna drop by but cake & activities at like (2-5)...My Dilemma or suggestions wanted are for
1) My son is practically the youngest for his party...all his cousins are (7-17) What activities?
2) Cant get jumper cuz we live in a townhouse?
3) I don't know how to word invitation as this one may be a girl (we chose to be surprise) and party will be a safari / jungle / rainforest theme..since mostly family-they already expecting to get a gift for both, because they've asked.
4) We will be on somewhat of a budget ($300 across 40-50 people)???
P.S. Don't think he'll be the jealous type, but telling guests to greet him first plus all his cousins coming over - he loves to try and play and be big boy with them...they'll be here most the day!
5) What type of food for drop-ins / actual party?
I would not do that.
for one main reason.
Something like this will start an immediate jealousy from your 2 yr old.
His party should be for him only. If you have a double party with the baby everyone loves a new baby, all the attention will be on the new baby.
DO NOT make this mistake.
Although I agree that you should do something different for you sons birthday party, because you don't want him to be jealous, I think he is still a little young, so here is what I suggest.
"Son's name......would like on his birthday to introduce you to his new sibling."
Now, if the party isn't on his birthday, then I would make a big tadoo about his birthday either a day before or after the party........something special for him, and let him know everyone is coming for him so he can show off his new.........sister/brother. I would turn this into HIS party...........understand?
As for food..........go to Sam's club, or Costco's whatever you have in your area.........I agree with Chips and dips.........pretzels are always good and cheap.........if it's going to be all day, you're going to need to eat yourselves, so maybe lunch meat sandwiches with cheese, or better yet, hot dogs......they are cheap and fun..........I wouldn't go all out.........
Activities, well, maybe a scavenger hut, ran by the 17 year old? Can you talk to them before time? Go to the dollar store for cool things........prizes, or toys to play with........
How about a sprinkler and let them run through it? Any type of balls for play..........
Make sure you tell everyone to spend time with the birthday boy and I'm sure you will be fine......try to keep everyone outside as much as possible.
Good Luck, congrats on the new one and being surprised, and take care.
OMG. This is enough for a whole tactical team to figure it out! We did the SAME thing and it was great. Our kids have NO jealousy issues...mainly because we don't allow it or foster it.
Ok, so......you can GO to a place with a bunch of inflatables and I don't think this place charges the adults, only the kids. We go there and the adults love bouncing, going down the slides, etc. So, everyone will have something to do.
Pump It Up in Union City, Milpitas, etc
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Regular GOODIE BAGS for up to 25 children
25 BALLOONS
Special Goodie Bag for Birthday child
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$370.00+tax{weekends}
$295.00+tax{weekdays}
The package includes:
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Regular GOODIE BAGS for up to 14 children
14 BALLOONS
Special Goodie Bag for Birthday Child
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Word the invitation like you want and then send out an update after the baby is born, so they know it's a girl or a boy. Use Evite, so it doesn't cost you a thing AND you can mail a few invites, if some don't have e-mail. We always have the "baby shower" which is a meet and greet AFTER the baby is born, so we send out the invites and then the day the baby is born, I send out paper and electronic birth announcements, so they know the sex.
Wording:
Just a little get together
it will be such a treat,
in honor of someone we
would like you to meet!
Come on over
We are waiting for you
To help us celebrate
*SON'S NAME*
who is also turning two!
My son was born on September 23 and my daughter turned 2 on October 13th. Her birthday party was ALL about her and I am so thrilled we did it that way. Her love and acceptance for her little brother have been amazing. It was very important to me that around the time that he was born she felt very special and never threatened or replaced by him in any way.
1). Maybe a video game system for the older kids and just let the younger ones play.
2). Call the bouncer rental and see how much space it would take to inflate it and see if your yard is big enough...check with neighbors.
3). Something like: Come celebrate "son's" birthday and Meet the New Baby. They will bring a gift for both...if not at least for your son.
4 &5).Serve just cake and punch...maybe coffee and tea for adults. You are not having at a time of day were people expect to eat. Maybe some chips and dips.
don't think you will be able to have a bounce house, but check with the homeowners association, are you sure you want to incorperate the new baby with his birthday? meaning,is it also somewhat of a baby shower?, am pretty sure those that will come, will know you have a new baby. I personally wouldn't share the two, I would just call it his birthday party, and of course have the baby there. He will already be feeling jealous, because it is not just him anymore, believe me I have 3...also, if you are serving food, I would put a specific time on the invite, but have chips, dips veggie and fruit trays for the drop ins, good luck, J.
Congrats on #2!!!
Sorry to be a little negative about the party idea. I kind of think it may make the 2 year old jealous (but it could be doable as long as you're careful). Sounds like you've thought about it and it's a smart idea to tell people to greet the boy first, as you said. Although you say he's not the jealous type, I think things could change when the baby arrives. I have heard so many people say it's tough on older siblings when a baby comes around. And honestly, how could it not be? I was overwhelmed with my 4 month old niece coming into my parent's home when I was 16! Of course, I loved her but the crying all night and the lack of privacy when she'd come toddling in every time I had a study group or a friend over was hard.
My parent's had my sister (2 years younger) baptized on my b-day when I was little and I didn't like it. I didn't say much but, it was all about her that day, and I was upset.
So... that said....I'd write the invite like just like it's for your son's b-day with a little side note about welcoming #2.
The other thing that struck me was, if I was a guest, I'd feel obligated to get 2 gifts. That can be a little tough.
I have a 2 year old and he'd be so happy with just having kids to play with too. I think the older ones would love a water balloons toss, if it's going to be outside and the weather is decent.
Do you like Mexican food? A lot of Mexican grocery stores lke El Pueblo will do catering and it's cheap!!
Anyway, good luck!
